NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A language interpreter at Siloam Health was honored for 5,000 hours of volunteer work.
The Nashville clinic serves immigrants and refugees from many different backgrounds. To help people who speak different languages, many staff members must be trained to deal with language barriers and cultural differences. That's where Dennis Caffrey steps in.
"I've been an active interpreter but also I've been a trainer of people regardless of what the second language is to be medical interpreters. Things such as code of ethics, medical practice, how do you handle certain situations," said Caffrey.
The 79-year-old spent a long portion of his career doing similar work for pay as a contractor. However, he believes in the mission of Siloam Health so much, he's been volunteering there for 10 years.
"I'm not doing anything, sitting at home, and I still have skill sets that can be of use. So, I came back to work both here and at several of the other medical facilities in the Nashville area because I think it would be remiss of me to not make a contribution when I can," he said.
Public service is a passion of Caffrey's. He is a retired Air Force Colonel and had a career outside of that, too. He likes to stay busy.
He said one of the reasons he does this is because he's grown to realize the frustration some patients experience when they don't fully understand if something is wrong with their health.
"It's bad enough when you don't feel well," said Caffrey. "But when you don't feel well and you can't understand what is happening around you, it just makes the situation around you more complex and it times it can be life threatening. So, if I can help in some way, then I'm delighted to do that."
Nashville is incredibly diverse. Refugees from nearly a dozen different countries and camps from across the globe call Middle Tennessee home. Many of them rely on the medical specialists at Siloam.
Caffrey was honored for his 5,000 hours of volunteer work with a surprise party. The staff at the clinic brought in cupcakes, made a picture book and even wrote a song for Caffrey, even though he asked them not to.
"I had specifically said don't do anything. So, when I came in last Tuesday, and I didn't see anything, I said 'good, they have finally listened to me.' And then I did not expect it today," said Caffrey.
The president of Siloam, Morgan Wills, said it was the least they could do for a man who has been so loyal to his community.
"Dennis is highly sought after in the local healthcare systems but chooses to primarily spend a majority of his time here unpaid as a volunteer because he believes deeply in the mission," said Wills.
